I got a letter stating that SSA wanted to conduct its own mental health assessment in January, after I had already had my own done in November. I had previously spoken to a supervisor (Dan Kuda) about my financial and housing issues, so it was upsetting to get a letter asking me to wait 3 more weeks to conduct an appointment in a home I no longer had. I remember the woman I spoke to scoffing and saying 'You can't wait 3 weeks!' At that time, I hadn't eaten in 24 hours and all the fight in me was just gone. I had done everything I was asked to do and even submitted a dire need letter, but they kept prolonging the process. I remember my older brother sprained his foot, he hired a disability attorney and settled for $10,000. My brother might have had a third of my work experience, and he continued doing the activities he had always done. I have had my disabilities most of my life, but my work wasn't affected until the last 2 years. Based on work history alone, my brother should not have qualified for disability.I remember Dan getting smug when he called to ask me about my dire need letter, he stated a 'compassionate allowance' is for someone who is terminally ill and I told him I am requesting dire need (someone who has or is at risk of losing their home). There are four ways someone can get their case expedited, but according to Dan, it can take a week to 3 months. Also, the person collecting your information is the one determines if your case gets/stays marked as urgent. I guess Dan and his subordinate, Natalie, didn't think me being homeless or starving was urgent. I finally got my food stamp card on 12/17, so at least I can eat.
